Probate

Applying for the Grant of Probate, collecting and distributing the assets

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets.

How much does this service cost?

We anticipate this will take between 10 and 20 hours work at £260.00 per hour. Total costs for Lu Oliphant’s fees are therefore estimated at £2,600 – £ 4,800 (+VAT).

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary of the estate and few assets, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, several properties and/or multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

Postage – for tracked/registered posts £10 – £20 (depending on how many organisations we are required to send original documents to

Title deeds application to Land Registry (£3.90 per document)

NB Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where:

There is a valid will;

There is no more than one property;

There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts;

There are no other intangible assets;

There are 1-2 beneficiaries;

There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise; this is likely to lead to an increase in costs;

There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC

There are no claims made against the estate.

As part of our fee we will:

Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter;

Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries;

Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require;

Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application;

Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms;

Draft a legal oath for you to swear;

Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf;

Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you;

Collect and distribute all assets in the estate.

Potential additional costs

If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds), overseas assets, significant gifts during the lifetime of the deceased or other complex issues, or if the deceased died overseas, there will likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50(1 per asset usually). (not quite sure about this if request for it after it has been granted).

Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6 – 12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 8 – 12 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4- 8 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2 – 4 weeks.